Storage mechanism

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments of a storage system for use with weight distribution trailer hitches are disclosed. The storage system would be used by someone with a towing vehicle, a boat or RV, and a trailer hitch to link these two. During the times these items are not in-motion, these weight distribution hitches have large parts and take up a lot of space. Such a customer can put their extra hitch-parts in the storage system, which keeps the weight distribution system nicely stored for example on the trailers beams AKA the trailer&#39;s A-frame rails or frame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Proper weight-distribution is an important aspect of trailer hitches.FIG. 1 (Prior Art) shows an example of why. Improper weight distributioncan put a lot of strain on the vehicle pulling the trailer and createvarious dangers and hazards. To address this, there exists certain typesof trailer hitch equipment known as weight distribution hitches. Suchitems are a great advancement in travel convenience, but take up a lotof space and weight when they are not in use.

FIGS. 2, 3, 4A-4B (Prior Art) shows some example weight distributionhitches. To slightly over-simplify, a typical weight distribution systemmainly comprises 2 weight distribution bars, and a ball hitch (hitchbody). There are other elements to a weight distribution system, butthese are unimportant for explaining the various embodiments herein. Theparts are very heavy, the weight distribution bars each weigh around 40lbs. and the hitch head (ball hitch) can be as much as 50 lbs. Theseitems are also dirty, exposed to weather, exposed to road dust, need tobe oiled, in that some models of the ball hitches require grease duringuse. Some larger utility trailers, car haulers, boat trailers, andtowable horse trailers also use weight distribution hitches such asthose shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4A-4B (Prior Art).

IDEAL CUSTOMER FOR THE EMBODIMENTS HEREIN

Someone who owns a towing vehicle, a boat or RV, and a trailer hitch tolink these two. They have towed their items, and parked the item. Theynow want to drive their towing vehicle without the host RV for e.g.errands, and their hitch is not currently in-use. Such a customer canput their extra hitch-parts in the embodiments herein. As a short-cut, atrailer owner could put the weight distribution bars, wrap them inplastic tarp and just lay them underneath the trailer. However, some ofthese hitches are $800-$1200 and sellable for scrap, thus subject totheft. Accordingly, many owners take their weight distribution bars andhitch-heads and put them inside the storage compartment of the trailer.These compartments are very small and provide minimal space, and mostowners would rather save that space for other items.

Someone stealing a hitch-kit occurs mostly when the trailer or RV is instorage, not so much in live-usage although that can happen also. Thevarious weight distribution component parts are not much good withoutthe main hitch-body, but still can be sold for scrap.

Some customers just toss the extra hitch parts into the bed of their towvehicle, or a truck box. Or they just toss the extra hitch parts intothe floor of their trailer. They take them home in the garage or leavethem laying in the truck bed. They may use a heavy wooden box, or steelbox, and people are constantly bumping their toes on this bulky heavybox. Or, when parked, hitch is not in use, they just kind of shove theseextra parts, shove them cross-wise into some space of gap within thehitch itself. They can also lay them across the trailer frame.

As such, storing the weight distribution bars and hitch heads can be anannoyance. These items are large, bulky, heavy, dirty, and in-the way.Regarding product legacy and evolution over years, weight distributionsystems don't change too much over time. Oddly, any new advancement ine.g. 3D printing or otherwise have been unimportant in this field.Trailer hitches are not much simpler or smaller in 2021 than in e.g.1985, but instead are actually heavier since the trailers have gottenmuch larger than the 60-70's models.

Consequently, an improved hitch-lock system is desired, especially asystem that stores and locks up both the hitch bars and hitch headtogether.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 (Prior Art) shows an example of improper weight distributionwhere a vehicle is pulling a heavy device using a trailer hitch;

FIGS. 2, 3, 4A, and 4B (Prior Art) shows some example weightdistribution hitches;

FIGS. 5A and 5B show embodiments of a storage system for use with weightdistribution trailer hitches;

FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C show the weight distribution bars and hitch headproperly stored within the storage system of FIGS. 5A and 5B:

FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 8A, and 8B show example storage systems hanging bygravity on the trailer frame;

FIG. 9 shows an example method of installing a storage system; and

FIG. 10 shows an example method of installing a storage system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 5A and 5B show embodiments of a storage system 500 for use withweight distribution trailer hitches. A further embodiment of a storagesystem 700 will be separately disclosed. The system 500 comprises a maintray 504, a near crossbar 508, a far crossbar 512, a hitch-headenclosure 516, and an attachment plate 520.

The A-frame rails of the trailer stick out at a front end of thetrailer, and as shown in FIG. 3 may also provide a resting place for atrailer battery and propane tanks. These will be referred to herein asframe rails or just “frame”. Using the system 500, the hitch headconnects to the trailer ball receptacle on the same trailer for thetowed item, so a user never needs to worry about losing their trailerequipment. The embodiments herein keep the heavy dirty pointy itemswithin the weight distribution system nicely stored, typically storedright on the trailers beams AKA the trailer's A-frame rails or frame.

The attachment plate 520 attaches to the trailer beam itself, and themain tray 504 holds the various heavy iron/steel parts of the weightdistribution system. Meanwhile, the hitch head enclosure 516 verticallyaccepts an elongated portion typically found with most hitch heads.

Within this disclosure, it will be assumed that the towing vehicle andtrailer are stopped, and not expected to move for e.g. a c couple ofdays. As such times, it is better to remove the hitch and stabilize thetrailer using stationary mechanisms. But at that time, the heavy bulkyweight distribution system are in the way, impede foot traffic, areexcellent for tripping humans in the dark, and for banging shins andtoes. To that end, FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C show the weight distributionbars and hitch head properly stored within the main tray 504 of thesystem 100.

Installation of the Systems 500/700

Example flowcharts of the installation process for the systems 500/700are shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 respectively. As shown in FIG. 9, for thesystem 500, a user/installer will first determine the area to attach thefastening base 520. Normally there is room on a trailer beam betweene.g. the propane tanks (FIG. 3) and the trailer frame rail itself.However, there are a lot of variations in how trailer elements are puttogether, and many different styles of trailers. Accordingly, it isnecessary to ensure that when stored, the base, bolts, bar tray andhitch bars will not contact/rub any wiring, cables or gas lines. Forexample, it may be necessary move a battery box further to one side of atrailer beam to make adequate space for the systems 500\700.

Once thus affirmed, once the user/installer is semi-satisfied with thechosen position, that user/installer should test-fit the weightdistribution bars and hitch head to ensure that they are notcontacting/rubbing against any trailer parts, wiring, cabling, hoses orhitch brackets.

A user will mount the fastening base 520 to the frame using e.g. fourhex bolts. Add stainless flat washers to the top of the base and flangenuts to the bottom, aligning the bottom brace with the matching holes onthe fastening base 520. Alternately, the fastening base 520 can also bewelded to the trailer frame.

Next, the installer will adjust the bar tray angle by loosening the nutson the tray adjustment bolt 540.

Finally, during final adjustment, the adjustment nuts for the main tray504 must be securely tightened together to keep the main tray 504 frommoving.

The heavier embodiments of the system 500 can be bolted, and somecustomers have welded the system 500 to the frame. The system 700 wouldnot have this issue, and would never need to be welded, but can be ifthe user decides it is how they want to make it permanent. Auser/purchaser self-performs this installation, although this has itsdangers. A typical mistake might be to not install the bracketscorrectly. With the system 700, such errors are less likely.

Locking and Security

Upon completion of the above steps, the weight distribution bars wouldtypically be sticking out on both side of the trailer frame. One set ofends will be free, but the other set of ends will abut against a crossbar edge of the system 500. Accordingly, in an embodiment, a small lock548 (FIG. 5A) somewhat similar to a bicycle lock will hang off the maintray 504 of the system 500. Someone with a crowbar or smash-bar couldsmash the small lock 548, but its presence would likely be helpful indeterring some theft attempts.

Second Embodiment

An additional embodiment exists, which is lighter and stores and fastensdifferently. A system 700 comprises an outward vertical surface 704 andan attachment bracket 705. In this case, the term “outward” is withrespect to being facing toward the user and away from (outward from) thetrailer body, while “inward” will mean facing the trailer body. Thesystem 700 also comprises an upper shelf 708 and a lower shelf 712protruding horizontally from the outward vertical surface 704.

As shown in FIGS. 7A-7B-7C, the system 700 doesn't secure the weightdistribution bars exactly like the system 500. This alternate system 700hangs by gravity on the trailer frame similar to mirrors hanging on homedoor frames, thus comprising a “lite” version. This lighter version isfor people who just want an inexpensive way to store their hitch andweight distribution bars, but don't mind surrendering some security.

In an embodiment, the system 700 will be manufactured from steel andthen have a hot-dipped galvanized finish applied thereto. However, itcan be manufactured using a variety of metals or composite materials.

FIG. 7B shows an example system 700 having square openings 738 foraccommodating L-pins that belong to an equalizer bracket commonly foundwith weight distribution systems, as well as round openings 742 forhitch bar pins. Further, the system 700 will also have bolt holes 746 invarious locations, as well as slots 750 for tie wraps for additionalmounting options.

FIG. 7C shows how the system upper shelf 708 has a top slot 724 and thelower shelf 712 has a bottom slot 728 for engaging with a hitch head.During use, the hitch head is dropped into the top slot 724 and then ispushed through a bottom slot 728 and is secured with a locking hitch pin768. Thus, the locking hitch pin 768 will also assist in securing theweight distribution bars between the outward vertical surface 704 frameand hitch head, along with the tongue 764.

It is well known that hitch-heads sometimes come with a protrudingsurface on their vertical shaft, such that their cross-section is notalways perfectly rectangular. Accordingly, the top slot 724 isconfigured with a gusset space 732 to accommodate that protrudingsurface, so the hitch head can drop further down into the two slots724/728.

FIGS. 8A-8B show an example system 800 which is similar to the system700 in that both are free-hanging mechanisms. However, some differencesexist, for example the system 800 does not use an upper-lower shelfarrangement.

FIG. 10 shows an example method of installing the system 700. A suitablelocation must first be found, and then tested with actual weightdistribution bars and hitch head, to ensure there is no interferencefrom or with other parts. Then, the storage system 700 is rested ontothe frame. Metal tie-wraps can be used to provide added security for thestorage system 700. At that point, the storage system itself isinstalled but not yet necessarily in use.

To use the system, the hitch head must first be dropped through theupper shelf and then the lower shelf, through the two slots the twoslots 724/728. A lock 748 can be employed to help secure the hitch head.At that point, it is suitable to insert the two weight distribution barsto fit between the hitch head, the tongue 760, and the outward verticalsurface 704.

The system 700 works as follows: the weight distribution bars arestacked on top of each other, parallel to the frame, next to the outwardvertical surface 704 and held in place by the body of the hitch head.During use and storage, the outward vertical surface 704 works with thebody of the hitch head to trap the weight distribution bars within thesystem 700. Some assistance is also provided by the tongue 760. Itshould now be apparent that during use, optimally, the hitch head shouldbe located (stored) within the system 700 prior to inserting the weightdistribution bars.

DISCLAIMER

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown anddescribed herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art thatsuch embodiments are provided by way of example only. It is not intendedthat the invention be limited by the specific examples provided withinthe specification. While the invention has been described with referenceto the aforementioned specification, the descriptions and illustrationsof the embodiments herein are not meant to be construed in a limitingsense. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur tothose skilled in the art without departing from the invention.Furthermore, it shall be understood that all aspects of the inventionare not limited to the specific depictions, configurations, or relativeproportions set forth herein which depend upon a variety of conditionsand variables. It should be understood that various alternatives to theembodiments of the invention described herein may be employed inpracticing the invention. It is therefore contemplated that theinvention shall also cover any such alternatives, modifications,variations, or equivalents. It is intended that the following claimsdefine the scope of the invention and that methods and structures withinthe scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.

What is claimed is:
 1. A storage system for a weight distributionmechanism, comprising: an attachment surface to be connected with anoutward vertical surface; the outward vertical surface having an uppershelf and a lower shelf protruding horizontally therefrom; the uppershelf having a top slot configured to accommodate a hitch head; thelower shelf having a bottom slot also configured to accommodate a hitchhead, such that during use, the hitch head is dropped into the top slotand then is pushed through a bottom slot; and the lower shelf having anopening for accommodating a locking hitch pin.
 2. The system of claim 1,further comprising: the top slot having a gusset space suitable for aspecific geometry of hitch head.
 3. The system of claim 2, furthercomprising: the gusset space suitable for a vertical protrusion within ahitch head.
 4. The system of claim 1, further comprising: the lockinghitch pin securing weight distribution bars between the outward verticalsurface and the hitch head.
 5. The system of claim 4, furthercomprising: the lower shelf having a tongue extending upward therefrom;and the tongue assisting in securing the weight distribution barsbetween the outward vertical surface and the hitch head.
 6. The systemof claim 1, further comprising: the lower shelf having square openingsfor accommodating L-pins that belong to an equalizer bracket commonlyfound with weight distribution systems.
 7. The system of claim 6,further comprising: the lower shelf having round openings to accommodateand store hitch bar pins.
 8. The system of claim 1, further comprising:the attachment surface conforming with a trailer beam having arectangular cross-section, such that the storage system hangs on top ofthe trailer beam and remains in place by gravity.
 9. The system of claim8, further comprising: the storage system having bolt holes toaccommodate additional fastening.
 10. The system of claim 9, furthercomprising: the storage system having slots that accommodate securingmechanisms for preventing the storage system from falling off thetrailer frame.
 11. The system of claim 9, further comprising: thesecuring mechanisms being metal tie-wraps.
 12. The system of claim 1,further comprising: the storage system being made from steel.
 13. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising: the storage system being madefrom a steel-aluminum hybrid.
 14. The system of claim 12, furthercomprising: the storage system being hot-dipped in a galvanizedfinishing solution.
 15. The system of claim 12, further comprising: thestorage system being powder coated.
 16. The system of claim 5, furthercomprising: during use, the outward vertical surface working with thebody of the hitch head to trap the weight distribution bars within thesystem.
 17. The system of claim 6, further comprising: the upper shelfhaving a smaller area than the lower shelf.